Oct 27, 2011 - Castle and Basin Peak

The Hike to Castle and Basin Peak was attended by 5 geezers, Merrill, JD, Bob, Sherm and Glenn. The 8-9 mile hike began at about 7500 foot elevation and just under 40 degrees. We reached the 9000 plus foot summit of both Castle and Basin Peaks, but the temperature was still only 50 degrees. We were able to make lunch by 12:15pm. With scattered snow on the ground,the fields of wildflowers well past their prime and with a cool breeze in the air, it was clear that we've passed the summer hiking season. We still had great views of Lake Tahoe, Boreal Ski resort where they were manufacturing their own snow, and north to the Sierra Buttes. After reaching Basin Peak, as we've done in the past, we couldn't resist playing schoolboys and throwing (or rolling) large rocks off the summit! Boyz will be Boyz! We then made our own trail cross country until we joined the Pacific Crest Trail to the Peter Grubb Hut. After a brief stop at the hut, we returned to our GMC taxi at 5:00pm. It was a great day and a great hike!

Oct 13, 2011 Meiss Lake Trail

We arrived at the trail head (8500 ft elev.)and quickly decided that we needed our long sleeves. Although some of the "young bucks" wore shorts. The wise old Geezers wore pants with zip off legs. It did warm up nicely and it was a very pleasant day for the hike. The pond at the top of the ridge was not frozen over this time. The guys on the trail managed to slogg thru the snow and runoff water. No one fell in the several streams we had to cross. Believe it or not there are still a few hardy wild flowers on the trail. The best were the Asters.
At the Meiss cabin and barn we made the decision NOT to go on to Meiss lake as we were concerned that the recent storm had left the meadow we would have to cross very wet. We turned and went to Round lake. It is on the Tahoe Rim trail as it goes East to Big Meadow. It was a good choice as it was dry most of the way. The lake was small but beautiful and we had a good beach to have lunch on. Of course there were naps and conversation. A vote was taken and Loren 1, Loren 2 and Dominic were sent back 5 1/2 miles to get the cars and then drive over the Carson Pass and thru the lovely Hope valley, over Luther pass and stop at the Big meadow Trail head to pick up the other five. The remaining Geezers walked 3 miles (all down hill) and they only got there 5 minutes before their chauffeurs arrived! It was a beautiful day, the scenery was spectacular and the fellowship was great as usual. As Roland was absent today, thanks to Lauren Gray for his colorful narrative.

Sept 29, 2011 - Caples Creek Trail

On Thursday, seven geezers (Loren- L-2, Dominic, Beuford, Rich, Merrill, Glenn and Wayne) joined the adventure planned by L-2 on the Caples Creek Trail. After following Silver Creek Road about 8 miles off of Hwy 50, we found the trailhead. Starting at elevation 5600, we followed the creek upstream for a mile to a junction of Silver Fork and Caples Creek. We followed Silver Creek for a couple of miles, then headed over a saddle which took us a bit longer than anticipated. After multiple false summits we reached a plateau at just over 6800 foot elevation. It was still almost a mile to the planned lunch location where we would decend and cross Caples Creek. The water was so icy that only 2 brave Geezers chose to dip their soles in the creek. After the usual break time of eating, power naps, and throwing rocks into river, we proceeded on the loop trail. Through several meadows, by some old Indian grinding rocks, and through forests of huge cedars and pines, past gigantic granite bolders, and along portions of Caples Creek, we trekked until we at last returned to the vehicles. The map indicated we had travelled just over 8 miles, but most of us were sure it was closer to 9 or 10. In all it was another beautiful day of great fellowship and enjoying God's magnificent creation.